Serena and Mischa
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
In her submission Serena’s mother, Mischa, told us dyslexia is poorly understood. She said because Serena ‘received inadequate support in the education system’ she cannot read well.
Mischa described Serena’s primary school as a ‘toxic learning environment’. Serena was bullied, man-handled and humiliated.
After one particularly humiliating incident in year 6, Mischa wrote to the school and the school board. ‘I asked the school principal and the teacher involved to apologise to my daughter.’ When the school refused to apologise, Mischa felt she had no choice but to cancel Serena’s enrolment and begin homeschooling.
Mischa said that as ‘a direct result of her school experience’ Serena now experiences ‘anxiety, low self-esteem and self-doubt’.
Mischa told us a comprehensive education campaign about dyslexia is needed. Attitudes would change if the community was educated about the disability and the impact it can have on lifelong learning.
Mischa also says teachers are poorly informed and would benefit from specific dyslexia training and continued professional development.
Early detection and intervention is crucial and teachers need to employ ‘evidence-based, multisensory, explicit, systematic instruction’.
If a child ‘is not reaching benchmarks,’ she says, ‘individualised intervention from specialist educators’ is needed.
In Mischa’s opinion there should be ‘nationally recognised accommodations for any child that requires them – no diagnosis required’.
‘When children can pursue learning holistically and with purpose – following their natural curiosity, they will love learning and shine in their individual areas of strength.’
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.